Russia condemns Bolivia coup, warns against foreign interference
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The Russian Foreign Ministry issues a warning against attempts by hostile foreign entities to meddle in the domestic affairs of Bolivia and other nations after the failed coup attempt.
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A supporter of President Luis Arce waves a Bolivian flag as soldiers flee from Plaza Murillo, after a failed coup attempt, in La Paz, Bolivia, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (AP)
Following the failed attempted military coup in Bolivia, Russia's Foreign Ministry released a statement condemning it and issued a warning against attempts by hostile foreign entities to meddle in the domestic affairs of Bolivia and other nations.
"We strongly condemn the attempted military coup in Bolivia on June 26. We express our full, unwavering support for the government of President Luis Arce. We consider it unacceptable for the situation to go beyond the constitutional framework," the statement read.
"Political resolution of any internal political differences in Bolivia is an imperative," the Ministry affirmed in its statement, adding that Moscow "warns against attempts at destructive foreign interference in the internal affairs of Bolivia and other states."
Bolivian President Luis Arce on Wednesday denounced the "irregular mobilization" of certain army units in La Paz, while former leader Evo Morales accused a senior general of conspiring to stage a coup.
Videos shared on social media showed heavily armed soldiers and armored vehicles gathering in La Paz's central Plaza Murillo.
🚨🇧🇴#BREAKING: Reports of a military coup in Bolivia.
— Censored Men (@CensoredMen) June 26, 2024
pic.twitter.com/9D9YN6LrvS
"The three chiefs of the armed forces have come to express our dismay. There will be a new cabinet of ministers, surely things will change, but our country cannot continue like this any longer," General Juan Jose Zuniga told a local TV station.
This comes as an addition to the list of condemnations by world governments, triggering a wave of international solidarity in support of the country's legitimate government.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was among the first to voice support for Arce, urging Bolivians to defend their democracy. "We call on the Bolivian people to defend their democracy, their constitution, and their President Luis Arce," Maduro stated on Wednesday. "It's important to defend peace and stability. Bolivia has the support of all of Latin America. The coup must end."
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel echoed Maduro's sentiments, describing the scenes emerging from Bolivia as "outrageous." His remarks underscored the broader regional alarm over the developments in Bolivia.
Leaders from Paraguay, Uruguay, Peru, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Honduras, Iran, and Spain also issued public statements condemning the coup attempt and expressing their support for President Arce.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for democratic resistance against the coup attempt. "The military coup in Bolivia is absolutely unacceptable. I invite the entire Bolivian people to democratic resistance."
Total rechazo al golpe militar en Bolivia. Invito a todo el pueblo boliviano a la resistencia democrática.
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) June 26, 2024
América Latina debe unirse a favor de la democracia. La embajada de Colombia debe otorgar refugio a los perseguidos.
No habrá ninguna relación diplomática de Colombia con…
"Latin America should unite in favor of democracy. The Colombian Embassy should provide persecuted people with asylum. There would be no diplomatic ties between Colombia and a dictatorship!" Petro declared on X.
